1966 BMW 1602 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1602. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1602 would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1602. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 207 kg more than 1966 BMW 1602. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1602. (130 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1602.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 1602 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 48 L |
