1990 BMW 316 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. Both 1990 BMW 316 and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata are equipped with a 1,596 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316.
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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (244 Nm) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
