1998 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 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 3 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 361 kg more than 2011 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
