Both the MX-5 Miata and the 4 Series Convertible 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.
Compare the2026 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2026 BMW 4 Series Convertible
Safety
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Warranty
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Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 4 Series Convertible. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 4 Series Convertible 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.
Reliability
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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 31 points higher than the 4 Series Convertible.
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 9th.
Fuel Economy and Range
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On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the 4 Series Convertible:
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MPG |
| MX-5 Miata |
|||
| RWD |
Auto |
2.0 DOHC 4-cyl. |
26 city/35 hwy |
| 4 Series Convertible |
|||
| RWD |
Auto |
3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid |
27 city/33 hwy |
| AWD |
Auto |
2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid |
24 city/33 hwy |
|
|
|
3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid |
25 city/32 hwy |
Transmission
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The MX-5 Miata offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a manual transmission.
Suspension and Handling
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For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 6.6 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (30.8 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 8.6 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible xDrive’s (30.8 feet vs. 39.4 feet).
Chassis
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The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1650 to 1800 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Convertible.
The MX-5 Miata is 2 feet, 9.8 inches shorter than the 4 Series Convertible, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.
Recommendations
© 1999 - 2026Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (Advanta-STAR). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. RFXHM-3TRJJ 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2026/03/10
Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.