Compare the2024 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2024 BMW 2 Series

Both the MX-5 Miata and the 2 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 2 Series. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 2 Series ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 54 percent more Mazda dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MX-5 Miata’s reliability 12 points higher than the 2 Series.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 2 places higher in reliability than BMW.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the 2 Series:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 2 Series requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The MX-5 Miata offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the 2 Series:

The MX-5 Miata Club handles at .95 G’s, while the 230i Coupe pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5.6 feet tighter than the 2 Series’ (30.8 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 7.3 feet tighter than the 2 Series xDrive’s (30.8 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1100 to 1400 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The MX-5 Miata is 2 feet shorter than the 230i, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces. The MX-5 Miata is 2 feet, 1.3 inches shorter than the M240i.

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the 2 Series’ standard power windows.

Consumer Reports rated the MX-5 Miata’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the 2 Series’ headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Insurance will cost less for the MX-5 Miata owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the MX-5 Miata will cost $1390 to $7430 less than the 2 Series over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda MX-5 Miata will be $10415 to $17827 less than for the BMW 2 Series.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.