2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 220 kg more than 2005 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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
