2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 BMW 525 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 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| 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 Length | 4000 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
