1973 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 525 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2012 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, 1973 BMW 525 (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
