1975 BMW 320 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1975 BMW 320. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 45 kg more than 1975 BMW 320. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 320. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.2 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
