2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2010 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
