1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 712 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 520 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
