1988 BMW 525 vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 165 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 393 kg more than 2013 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 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 48 L |
