1992 BMW 538 vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 11 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 218 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 800 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 538 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
