1992 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW M3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2006 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 M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW M3 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
