2001 BMW 320 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, both 2001 BMW 320 and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata were released in the same year (2001). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 390 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (244 Nm). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
