1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 has manual transmission. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 220 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
