1988 BMW 524 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2011 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 524 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 524 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2329 mm |