2002 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 320 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2002 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 320 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
