1999 BMW 320 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 320 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2001 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, 1999 BMW 320 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 320 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
