1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 855 kg more than 1998 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, 2010 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
