1999 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 251 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (200 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
