2002 BMW 330 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 486 kg more than 2006 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, 2002 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
