1972 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 41 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), 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 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 263 kg more than 2013 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, both vehicles can yield 190 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| 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 | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.3 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 48 L |
