1986 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2006 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 7.9 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 | 1170 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
