1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 515 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 250 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
