2007 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 330 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 330 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1997 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, 2007 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2007 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 330 | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
