2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2012 BMW 318. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2009 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, 2012 BMW 318 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
