2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 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 M3 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
