2008 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 600 kg more than 2001 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 525 (250 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (244 Nm). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
