1992 BMW 850 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 692 kg more than 2008 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 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 850 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
