1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 902 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | M3 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
