1996 BMW 332 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 332 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 413 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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 332 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 332 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1835 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 323 HP | 178 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 220 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1147 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |