1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,606 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 1190 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.
Because 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML (370 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML 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 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | ML |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
