2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 206 kg more than 2008 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
