1988 BMW 524 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 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524.
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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 524 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
