2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 540 kg more than 2002 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 240 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
