2003 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 4 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 360 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |