1997 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (245 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
