1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 240 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2399 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 91 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92.4 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 | 1385 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2800 mm |