1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 745 kg more than 1989 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | E |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2860 mm |
