1977 BMW 732 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 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 732 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 732 weights approximately 424 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 732 (290 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 732 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 732 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 732 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
