2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 464 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm) has 630 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
