1996 BMW 525 vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 538 kg more than 2002 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 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
