1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3.3 (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1999 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, 1973 BMW 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3.3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 50 L |
