1999 BMW Z9 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 BMW Z9 is newer by 1 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z9 (242 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z9 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z9 weights approximately 605 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, 1999 BMW Z9 (560 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 436 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z9 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z9 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3060 mm | 2270 mm |
