1988 BMW M5 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 M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 323 kg more than 2006 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M5 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
