1996 BMW 735 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 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 68 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (164 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 735 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 735 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| 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 | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 50 L |
