1992 BMW 538 vs. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 538. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 538 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 538 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 538 (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 847 kg more than 1993 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, 1992 BMW 538 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 538 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 983 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
