1966 BMW 1602 vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1602. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1602 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1602. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 15 kg more than 1966 BMW 1602. 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 130 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:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 1602 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 50 L |
