1995 BMW M5 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1995 BMW M5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,794 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 755 kg more than 1989 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 M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M5 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
