1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 320 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 230 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
