1994 BMW 740 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 740 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 740 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1996 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 740 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1994 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 740 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 740 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2270 mm |
