1987 BMW 324 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 324 weights approximately 162 kg more than 2008 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, 1987 BMW 324 (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 324 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 7.9 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 | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
