BMW Z3 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW Z3 and Mazda MX-5 Miata contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW Z3 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
When comparing the BMW Z3's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the BMW Z3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the BMW Z3's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better car than the BMW Z3.
Pricing: A used 2002 BMW Z3 ranges from $6,108 to $20,895 while a used 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is priced between $4,921 to $17,909.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW Z3’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata base engine makes 142 horsepower. The Z3 is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 325 miles. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 312 miles.This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW Z3 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,945
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$22,634
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$18,100 - $27,010
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$12,569
Price Range:
$6,108 - $20,895
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
12
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
84,807
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$10,961
Price Range:
$4,921 - $17,909
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$13,511
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$8,689 - $24,713
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
15
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
88,112
# Good or Great Deals:
4
BMW Z3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW Z3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.1 - 1.6
BMW Z3 Rankings
Not yet available
Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Available Body Styles
Convertible, Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW Z3 Trim Levels
2.5i, 3.0i
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
Base, LS, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
142 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
125 foot-lbs @ 5500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 25 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
234 / 325 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
240 / 312 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Available
Heated Seats
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
51.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
49.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2899 lbs
Width:
68.5 inches
Height:
50.9 inches
Length:
159.4 inches
Wheelbase:
96.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2387 lbs
Width:
66 inches
Height:
48.4 inches
Length:
155.3 inches
Wheelbase:
89.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/50R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Atlanta Blue Metallic / Topaz Blue Metallic
Brown
Impala Brown Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Oxford Green Metallic / Pistachio Green Metallic
Red
Bright Red / Siena Red Metallic
Silver
Titanium Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White
Yellow
Dakar Yellow
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black
Blue
Crystal Blue Metallic / Midnight Blue Mica
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Emerald Mica
Red
Classic Red
Silver
Sunlight Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Blue
Topaz Blue
Brown
Impala Brown
Red
Dream Red
White
Lotus White
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
