2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 525 kg more than 2008 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 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 500 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 149 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 401 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2940 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |