2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 433 kg more than 2005 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (179 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 230 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 64 L |
