BMW M3 vs Mazda Miata
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2005 Mazda Miata
Overview
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Sedan | Cloth |
| Body style | Sedan | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2005 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $79,300 | $22,098 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $35,831 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $81,340 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $95,762 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 8 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 20 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 23 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 15.6 gal (best) | 12.7 gal |
Performance
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 473 hp (best) | 142 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft (best) | 125 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3 L (best) | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | I6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 2 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 16.9 cu ft (best) | 5.1 cu ft |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,840 lbs | 2,447 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 4.7 in (best) | 4 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in (best) | 89.2 in |
| Length | 189.1 in (best) | 155.3 in |
| Width | 74.3 in (best) | 66.1 in |
| Height | 56.6 in (best) | 48.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW M3Sedan | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW M3 | Mazda Miata |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sedan $79,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Cloth $22,098 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Competition Sedan $83,500 MSRP | LS $24,903 MSRP |
| 3 | Competition xDrive Sedan $88,600 MSRP | Base $25,780 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Grand Touring $26,580 MSRP |
Live inventory
BMW M38 for sale
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Used2021 BMW M3
Competition
Brooklyn Grey Metallic•Black41,620 mi$64,217Sewell KIA
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Used2015 BMW M3
Base
Marina Blue•silverstone96,845 mi$35,831Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston
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Used2021 BMW M3
Competition
Tanzanite Blue II•Kyalami Orange/Black28,768 mi$77,193Land Rover St Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL
Used2023 BMW M3
Competition 4D Sedan
Green Metallic13,629 mi$84,782Mercedes-Benz of Pleasanton
Pleasanton, CA
Certified2026 BMW M3
Competition xDrive
Isle of Man Green Metallic•Silverstone/Black430 mi$92,899BMW of Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Used2024 BMW M3
Competition xDrive
Sao Paulo Yellow•Yas Marina Blue/Black11,836 mi$87,990BMW of Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
BMW M3 vs Mazda Miata FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 BMW M3 vs 2005 Mazda Miata on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2005 Mazda Miata starts lower at $22,098. Live BMW M3 listings start at $35,831.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2005 Mazda Miata leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (22,098).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2005 Mazda Miata leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (23).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2027 BMW M3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (523).
- Which has better seats: 2027 BMW M3 or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2027 BMW M3 leads on seats in this comparison (5).