1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. (109 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 381 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | 300 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 48 L |
