1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 116 kg more than 2010 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 Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 48 L |
