2008 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2005 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, 2008 BMW 318 (200 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
