2006 BMW 530 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,979 cc, 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (23 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 491 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2000 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
