2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 133 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 300 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
