1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,683 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 620 kg more than 1997 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | MX-5 Miata | CLK |
Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2683 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 68.2 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |