2009 BMW M3 vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 14 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
