2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW 118 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 118 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
