2008 BMW X3 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 685 kg more than 2001 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, both vehicles can yield 245 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | X3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2270 mm |
