1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 441 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 520 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 520 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 189 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.8 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 | 1570 kg | 1129 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |