1973 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 59 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1973 BMW 3 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 3 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 203 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 287 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1329 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |