1996 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, both 1996 BMW M3 and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1996 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 M3 (320 Nm) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW M3 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 129 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |