1987 Mazda MX-6 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda MX-6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda MX-6 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1987 Mazda MX-6. (110 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda MX-6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 600 kg more than 1987 Mazda MX-6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda MX-6, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda MX-6. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda MX-6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda MX-6 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-6 | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
