2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 181 kg more than 2011 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 120 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1139 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 51 L |
