2 Series Coupe vs MX-5 Miata
Put the 2 Series Coupe next to the MX-5 Miata and you have BMW and Mazda going after exactly the same sports car crowd. On balance, the 2 Series Coupe is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 4 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 2 Series Coupe wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality 2 Series Coupe wins
- Off-road & Towing 2 Series Coupe wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.8
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 2 Series Coupe has room for 4 seats
Few buyers will miss this one. The 2 Series Coupe brings 4 seats to the table; the MX-5 Miata brings 2 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The 2 Series Coupe has 74 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the 2 Series Coupe wins comfortably with 255 hp against 181 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 2 Series Coupe has 144 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (295 lb-ft for the 2 Series Coupe, 151 lb-ft for the MX-5 Miata) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The 2 Series Coupe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The 2 Series Coupe has available all-wheel drive
If you’ve come to rely on available all-wheel drive, note that the MX-5 Miata leaves it out. The 2 Series Coupe offers all-wheel drive; the MX-5 Miata doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 90.9 in |
Engine & Performance
2 Series Coupe leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the 2 Series Coupe. The 2 Series Coupe makes its case with 74 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the 2 Series Coupe.
Total system output
2 Series Coupe: 255 hp MX-5 Miata: 181 hp The 2 Series Coupe’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
2 Series Coupe: 295 lb-ft MX-5 Miata: 151 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the fuel economy & range section. For fuel economy & range, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Space & Practicality
2 Series Coupe leads
The MX-5 Miata is outclassed on space & practicality; the 2 Series Coupe leads by a clear margin. The 2 Series Coupe brings room for 4 seats. The 2 Series Coupe has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the 2 Series Coupe is the stronger car.
Seats
2 Series Coupe: 4 seats MX-5 Miata: 2 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
2 Series Coupe leads
The off-road & towing numbers lean toward the 2 Series Coupe, not dramatically but consistently. The 2 Series Coupe has the edge with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. For off-road & towing, the 2 Series Coupe is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
2 Series Coupe: yes MX-5 Miata: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the 2 Series Coupe and the MX-5 Miata each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 181 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 151 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 11.9 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats (winner) | 2 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 4.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 2 Series Coupe | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 90.9 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2 Series Coupe if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (255 hp vs 181 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 151 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Choose the MX-5 Miata if…
- you trust Mazda and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 2 Series Coupe or the MX-5 Miata?
On the specs compared here, the 2 Series Coupe makes more sense for most buyers; the MX-5 Miata doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The 2 Series Coupe and the MX-5 Miata are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. For me, the deciding factor is that only the 2 Series Coupe gives you room for 4 seats. A second point goes to the 2 Series Coupe for 74 hp more power.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the 2 Series Coupe; if they lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the MX-5 Miata.
My pick: the 2 Series Coupe.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.