1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (113 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 385 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 300 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
