1990 BMW 316 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 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. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 127 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make BMW Mazda
Model 316 MX-5 Miata
Year Released 1990 2009
Body Type Sedan Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1596 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 100 HP 158 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 141 Nm 188 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 10.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
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 1207 kg
Vehicle Length 4330 mm 4000 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1260 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2340 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 50 L


 

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