1996 BMW 735 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 735. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 735 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 735 (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 735 weights approximately 491 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 735 (321 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Compare all specifications:

1996 BMW 735 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make BMW Mazda
Model 735 MX-5 Miata
Year Released 1996 2008
Body Type Sedan Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3498 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 232 HP 166 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 321 Nm 190 Nm
Torque RPM 3300 RPM 5000 RPM
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1820 kg 1329 kg
Vehicle Length 5130 mm 4000 mm
Vehicle Width 1870 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1250 mm
Wheelbase Size 2940 mm 2340 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 85 L 48 L