2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 315 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 230 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 83.6 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 | 1671 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2800 mm |
