2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 BMW 730
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 616 kg more than 2006 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, 1997 BMW 730 (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 730 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
