2005 BMW 330 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1998 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, 2005 BMW 330 (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
