1972 BMW Turbo 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 Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 196 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Turbo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
