1981 BMW 528 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2012 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 528 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 528 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 181 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |