Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. BMW 2 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and BMW 2 Series 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and the BMW 2 Series.
When we compare the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF's and the BMW 2 Series's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The BMW 2 Series has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF's and the BMW 2 Series's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a better car than the BMW 2 Series.
Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF ranges from $20,762 to $30,517 while a used 2021 BMW 2 Series is priced between $24,598 to $43,991.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF loses 37.5 percent of its value and the BMW 2 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF retains 12.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 2 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the BMW 2 Series base engine makes 248 horsepower. The MX-5 Miata RF is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles. The 2 Series is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 452 miles.This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW 2 Series the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
33045
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
29748
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
25000 - 33045
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
41850
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
47830
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
33650 - 89900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26511
Price Range:
20762 - 30517
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
30905
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
23989 - 38757
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
46
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
30963
# Good or Great Deals:
19
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35193
Price Range:
24598 - 43991
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
39532
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
26388 - 72832
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
147
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49721
# Good or Great Deals:
49
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW 2 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
5.4 - 20.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 2 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
9.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
9.4 - 9.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.516197742194624
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.5 - 4.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
13.884005176651412
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.0 - 13.9
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
13 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 14BMW 2 Series Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
8 out of / 25Ranking
21 out of / 25Ranking
22 out of / 25Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Trim Levels
Club, Grand Touring
BMW 2 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
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:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.074 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 33 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
315 / 452 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
37 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
42.2 inches
Cargo Space:
9.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
81.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2452 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
49 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3735 lbs
Width:
78.1 inches
Height:
55.6 inches
Length:
174.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/45R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/50R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic / Polymetal Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
White
Arctic White
Blue
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Blue
Estoril Blue Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Black Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Red Highlight
Brown
Cognac w/ Dark Brown Highlight
Gray
Oyster / Oyster/Black
Red
Coral Red w/ Black Highlight
