1977 BMW 530 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 530 (178 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 530 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2003 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, 1977 BMW 530 (256 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 530 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
