1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1992 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 500 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
