2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 50 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 230 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |
