1995 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 318 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2004 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, 1995 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 318 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
