1995 BMW S3 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 585 kg more than 2003 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 S3 (260 Nm) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1995 BMW S3 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | S3 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1995 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 168 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |