2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 695 kg more than 2008 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | Mazda | BMW |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 520 |
Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 149 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |