2004 BMW 525 vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1994 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 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
