2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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 Z4 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 296 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 Z4 (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 5.7 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 | 1194 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
