2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2009 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
