1988 BMW 530 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (142 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 78 kg more than 1988 BMW 530.
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 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
