1996 BMW 525 vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 kg more than 1996 BMW 525.
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 525 (245 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (230 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
