1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 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 27 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2012 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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1976 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3.3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 48 L |
