2008 BMW 550 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 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 605 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 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 550 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
