1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 291 kg more than 1976 BMW 3.3.
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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1976 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3.3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 50 L |
