1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (237 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1165 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.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (617 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 488 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 2130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3165 mm |
