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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 171 kg more than 2006 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 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 | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
