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BMW 1 Series vs Mazda MX-5 Coupe comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 132 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 30,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Mazda MX-5 Coupe?

BMW 1 Series vs Mazda MX-5 Coupe: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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Mazda MX-5 Coupe

  • markedly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 1 Series is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Mazda MX-5 Coupe costs 30,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,491 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mazda MX-5 Coupe with 6.2 L/100km. The difference is about 1.9 L/100km.

MX-5 Coupe

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series offers significantly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 168 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Mazda MX-5 Coupe takes 8.6 s. That’s about 3.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers considerably more torque with 400 Nm compared to 152 Nm. That’s about 248 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: BMW 1 Series offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Coupe is markedly lighter – 1,114 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 351 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers clearly more boot space – 380 L compared to 127 L. That’s a difference of about 253 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries clearly more – 510 kg compared to 166 kg. That’s a difference of about 344 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

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Mazda MX-5 Coupe

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mazda MX-5 Coupe

The Mazda MX-5 is a delightfully pure driver's car, wrapped in a compact package and tuned to make steering inputs feel like a conversation rather than a chore. It won’t overwhelm you with gadgetry, but what it delivers—nimble handling, instant feedback and an honest grin every time you drive—makes it a brilliant choice for anyone who values fun over flash.

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Reviews Mazda MX-5 Coupe

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Mazda MX-5 Coupe

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
30,800 - 36,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
140 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,114 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
127 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,735 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
166 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
132 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
152 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
97 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,496 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mazda
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.