1998 BMW 320 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1999 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, 1998 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 320 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2169 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |