1972 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 251 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| 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 | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
