1978 BMW 725 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1999 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, 1978 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 725 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2270 mm |
