1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 906 kg more than 1994 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | S |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
