2002 BMW Z4 vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 BMW Z4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z4 (193 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z4 weights approximately 399 kg more than 1995 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 Z4 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW Z4 | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z4 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
