2009 BMW 120 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 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, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 331 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, 2009 BMW 120 (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| 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 | 168 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
