1974 BMW 2.8 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 2.8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 2.8 would be higher. At 3,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 2.8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 2.8 (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (153 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 2.8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 2.8 weights approximately 485 kg more than 2005 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, 1974 BMW 2.8 (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 2.8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 2.8 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 2.8 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3293 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2340 mm |
