1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1998 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 300 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2940 mm |
