1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2006 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
