2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
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 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 430 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 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 420 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 420 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
