2009 BMW 323 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 BMW 323 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2005 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 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 323 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
