1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1130 kg more than 1979 Dodge Mirada.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mirada | A |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2570 mm |
