2000 BMW Z3 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2009 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
