1986 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 394 kg more than 2009 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 M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M5 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 48 L |
