2009 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 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 304 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2000 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 M3 (400 Nm) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (161 Nm). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
