2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 205 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |
