1990 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 444 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2340 mm |
