1998 BMW 316 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 202 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
