2001 BMW Compact vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 BMW Compact is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,501 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Compact is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Compact (193 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Compact should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Compact weights approximately 615 kg more than 1996 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 Compact (237 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm). This means 2001 BMW Compact will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW Compact | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Compact | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
