2002 Mazda 2 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2002 Mazda 2 is newer by 26 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 2,305 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 2. (78 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2002 Mazda 2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 2, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 2. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 2. 2002 Mazda 2 has automatic transmission and 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mazda 2 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 2 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 2 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2720 mm |
