2008 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 2 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 315 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
