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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 565 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 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 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 | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
