8 Series vs MX-5 Miata
Two makers, one class, one decision: the 8 Series from BMW or the MX-5 Miata from Mazda. If you only read one line, make it this: the 8 Series takes 3 of 4 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 8 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range MX-5 Miata wins
- Space & Practicality 8 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing 8 Series wins
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- 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
-
The 8 Series has 154 hp more power
A clear win for the 8 Series: 335 hp against 181 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The 8 Series has room for 4 seats
Here the 8 Series pulls well ahead of the MX-5 Miata, with 4 seats compared to 2 seats. The 8 Series has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
-
The MX-5 Miata has better fuel economy
The MX-5 Miata doesn’t just edge this one; 29 mpg against 24 mpg is a lead you’ll feel. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The 8 Series has 217 lb-ft more torque
Big gap, real consequences. The 8 Series’s 368 lb-ft versus the MX-5 Miata’s 151 lb-ft changes how the two compare in daily use. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The MX-5 Miata has better city fuel economy
The 8 Series is clearly behind on fuel economy (city) (21 mpg against 26 mpg), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 8 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 68.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 90.9 in |
Engine & Performance
8 Series leads
This section belongs to the 8 Series. In engine & performance, it leads the MX-5 Miata by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The 8 Series steps ahead thanks to 154 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If this section decides it for you, choose the 8 Series.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 hp MX-5 Miata: 181 hp The 8 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
8 Series: 368 lb-ft MX-5 Miata: 151 lb-ft The 8 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
MX-5 Miata leads
No contest in fuel economy & range: the MX-5 Miata is the stronger of the two. The MX-5 Miata delivers better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. For fuel economy & range, the MX-5 Miata is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 mpg MX-5 Miata: 29 mpg The MX-5 Miata uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
8 Series: 21 mpg MX-5 Miata: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the MX-5 Miata starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
8 Series leads
The 8 Series clearly takes the space & practicality round. Point to the 8 Series for room for 4 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. That makes the 8 Series the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Seats
8 Series: 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
8 Series leads
The off-road & towing comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the 8 Series marginally ahead. The 8 Series takes this one 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. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the 8 Series.
AWD / 4WD available
8 Series: yes MX-5 Miata: no The 8 Series offers all-wheel drive; the MX-5 Miata doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 8 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 181 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 368 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 | 8 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 11.9 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 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 | 8 Series | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 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 | 8 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 8 Series if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 181 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (368 lb-ft vs 151 lb-ft of torque)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the MX-5 Miata if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (29 mpg vs 24 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 29 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 8 Series or the MX-5 Miata?
The 8 Series wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless having better fuel economy matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
The 8 Series and the MX-5 Miata come from rival camps, BMW and Mazda, but they’re chasing the same person: you. What I like most about the 8 Series here is 154 hp more power. Less flashy, but still real: the 8 Series brings room for 4 seats. That said, the MX-5 Miata answers with better fuel economy, which some people will value more.
Who should get which? The 8 Series for engine & performance, the MX-5 Miata for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the 8 Series; the one scenario where I’d reach for the MX-5 Miata is if your top priority is better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.