1959 BMW 700 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 495 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (52 Nm). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 700 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1999 cc |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2340 mm |
