1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2008 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 273 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 540 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |