2003 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1999 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (241 Nm). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1839 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 241 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85.1 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 | 1385 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |