1992 BMW 540 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 582 kg more than 2010 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 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 48 L |
