2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2003 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 Z4 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
