1997 BMW 850 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 805 kg more than 2003 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW 850 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 850 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 329 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 490 Nm | 168 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2270 mm |