2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1983 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 kg more than 1983 BMW 325.
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, 1983 BMW 325 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1983 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 325 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
