2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. (127 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 425 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 (196 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 250 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
