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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 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 182 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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 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 | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
