1990 BMW 518 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 518 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 518 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |