2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 240 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 19.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
