1988 BMW 316 vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1994 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, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 316 | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 316 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 127 Nm | 130 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 955 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |