1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 780 kg more than 1991 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 328 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4536 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
