1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 716 kg more than 2011 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | S | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4964 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 48 L |
