1995 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1995 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 318 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2008 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, 1995 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 318 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1375 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
