2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 805 kg more than 2000 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (161 Nm). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | M3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
