1976 BMW 628 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 628 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1989 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, 1976 BMW 628 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 628 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 628 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2270 mm |
