2012 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2012 BMW M3 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1424 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |