1972 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 3 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 272 Nm | 191 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |