1997 BMW 850 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 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 162 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 806 kg more than 2012 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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2329 mm |
