2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
