BMW Z3 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 Z32.5i | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5i | Cloth |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2002 | 2005 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,300 | $22,098 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 18 MPG | 20 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 25 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal (best) | 12.7 gal |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 184 hp (best) | 142 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft (best) | 125 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | I6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | — | 5.1 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,899 lbs | 2,447 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 96.3 in (best) | 89.2 in |
| Length | 159.4 in (best) | 155.3 in |
| Width | 68.5 in (best) | 66.1 in |
| Height | 50.9 in (best) | 48.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | 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 Z3 | Mazda Miata |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5i $31,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Cloth $22,098 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.0i $37,700 MSRP | LS $24,903 MSRP |
| 3 | 3.0i $37,900 MSRP | Base $25,780 MSRP |
| 4 | M $44,990 MSRP | Grand Touring $26,580 MSRP |
| 5 | M $45,990 MSRP | — |