1980 BMW M5 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 236 kg more than 2007 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M5 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
