2009 BMW 325 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 552 kg more than 1999 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, 2009 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 325 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 325 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
