2008 BMW 523 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 298 kg more than 2009 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
