2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 BMW Z8
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z8 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2003 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 Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Z8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 73 L |
