1996 BMW 725 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 725 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 720 kg more than 2001 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 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 725 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1785 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2270 mm |
