1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1996 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 280 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 224 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4910 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2760 mm |