1968 BMW 2002 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 BMW 2002. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 BMW 2002 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 BMW 2002 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1968 BMW 2002. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 BMW 2002. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 110 kg more than 1968 BMW 2002. 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 (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 BMW 2002. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 BMW 2002.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 2002 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 2002 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
