1994 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 318 weights approximately 407 kg more than 1999 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, 1994 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 318 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
