2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | 250 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
