1987 BMW M6 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW M6 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2003 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 M6 (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW M6 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M6 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
