2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 341 kg more than 2004 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2810 mm |
