1990 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2004 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 M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
