1983 BMW 323 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 65 kg more than 1983 BMW 323.
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, 1983 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
