1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 905 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz G 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 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | G |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2860 mm |
