2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (245 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 220 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2760 mm |
