1995 BMW 317 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 317 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, both vehicles can yield 190 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 317 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
