1987 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 320 weights approximately 79 kg more than 2011 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, 1987 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1987 BMW 320 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |