4 Series vs MX-5 Miata
Put the 4 Series next to the MX-5 Miata and you have BMW and Mazda going after exactly the same sports car crowd. There is a favorite. The 4 Series beats the MX-5 Miata in 4 of 4 areas, and engine & performance is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 4 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality 4 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing 4 Series wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- 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 4 Series has room for 4 seats
For seats, the 4 Series leads by a wide margin: 4 seats versus 2 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The 4 Series has 74 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 255 hp to the MX-5 Miata’s 181 hp, the 4 Series has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 4 Series has 144 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the 4 Series is far ahead here: 295 lb-ft compared with 151 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 4 Series has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the 4 Series edges out the MX-5 Miata, 31 mpg to 29 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 28 mpg against 26 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the 4 Series. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 4 Series has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 90.9 in |
Engine & Performance
4 Series leads
Here the 4 Series opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. On its side, the 4 Series has 74 hp more power. The 4 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the 4 Series is the safer choice.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp MX-5 Miata: 181 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft MX-5 Miata: 151 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
The MX-5 Miata is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the 4 Series leads by a clear margin. The 4 Series delivers better fuel economy. The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the 4 Series is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg MX-5 Miata: 29 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
4 Series: 28 mpg MX-5 Miata: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 4 Series starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
4 Series leads
For space & practicality, the verdict is easy: the 4 Series leads, and not by a little. The 4 Series makes its case with room for 4 seats. The 4 Series has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. For space & practicality, the 4 Series is the one to beat.
Seats
4 Series: 4 seats MX-5 Miata: 2 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
4 Series leads
By a small margin, the 4 Series is the stronger of the two in this area. The 4 Series wins here with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the 4 Series has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
4 Series: yes MX-5 Miata: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | 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 | 4 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 34 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 11.9 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | 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 | 4 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | 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 | 4 Series | 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 4 Series if…
- you need more seats (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you want more power (255 hp vs 181 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 151 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 29 mpg combined)
Choose the MX-5 Miata if…
- you trust Mazda and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 4 Series or the MX-5 Miata?
On the specs compared here, the 4 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the MX-5 Miata doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the 4 Series and the MX-5 Miata. To me, the standout is that the 4 Series offers room for 4 seats. There’s more, too: the 4 Series offers 74 hp more power.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the 4 Series; if they lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the MX-5 Miata.
My pick: the 4 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.