1990 BMW 518 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1998 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 518 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
