2004 BMW 520 vs. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 687 kg more than 1993 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, 2004 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 520 | 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 983 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
