2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 BMW 328
To start off, 2011 BMW 328 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 328 weights approximately 710 kg more than 2002 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, 2011 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 328 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
