1988 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 104 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
