2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 586 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (244 Nm). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 500 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3080 mm |
