1997 BMW 318 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
