1985 BMW 324 vs. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 277 kg more than 1993 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, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 324. (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 324 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 10.6 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 | 1260 kg | 983 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
