2008 BMW 323 vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 BMW 323 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,494 cc, 2008 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 323 (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 323 weights approximately 524 kg more than 1995 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, 2008 BMW 323 (230 Nm) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm). This means 2008 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 323 | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1490 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
