1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 16 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (511 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 422 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 905 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 571 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 511 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1406 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2874 mm |
