VS
At a Glance
Power
523hp @ 6250
181hp @ 7000
Torque
479lb-ft @ 2750
151lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
20 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the Mazda Mx 5 Miata is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 523hp @ 6250 while the Mazda Mx 5 Miata produces 181hp @ 7000. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 20 mpg est. while the Mx 5 Miata uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $51,200 for the 4 Series and $30,430 for the Mx 5 Miata. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW 4 SeriesCompetition Coupe 2026 - From $51,200
Mazda Mx 5 MiataClub Manual 2026 - From $30,430
Performance
Power Output (hp)
523hp @ 6250
181hp @ 7000
Torque (lb-ft)
479lb-ft @ 2750
151lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23mpg
34mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
11.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189.1in
154.1in
Width (in)
74.3in
68.3in
Height (in)
54.8in
48.8in
Wheelbase (in)
112.5in
90.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3880lbs
2366lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mx 5 Miata
2 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
Mx 5 Miata
Value
Mx 5 Miata
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mazda Mx 5 Miata
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,430)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Mx 5 Miata?
The 4 Series gets 20 mpg est. and the Mx 5 Miata gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Mx 5 Miata is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 4 Series or Mx 5 Miata?
The 4 Series produces 523hp @ 6250 and 479lb-ft @ 2750 of torque while the Mx 5 Miata delivers 181hp @ 7000 and 151lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and Mx 5 Miata?
The 4 Series starts from $51,200 and the Mx 5 Miata from $30,430. The Mx 5 Miata is cheaper by $20,770 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the Mx 5 Miata?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider