1990 BMW 320 vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 320 (115 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 549 kg more than 1990 BMW 320.
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, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (230 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 320. (224 Nm). This means 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 320 | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
