1999 BMW 323 vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 492 kg more than 1997 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 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 BMW 323 | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 323 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |