2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 430 kg more than 2007 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, 2011 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 120 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
