2009 BMW 120 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 256 kg more than 2006 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.5 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 50 L |
