1972 BMW 520 vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2000 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 520 (190 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (161 Nm). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
