1998 BMW 323 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 577 kg more than 1989 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 323 (246 Nm) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 323 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 323 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 246 Nm | 137 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 970 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |