2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (142 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 261 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (171 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | C |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
