1982 BMW 323 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 BMW 323 (148 HP) has 14 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1982 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 BMW 323 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2001 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, 1982 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 BMW 323 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 50 L |
