2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 449 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (225 Nm). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 380 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
