2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 917 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
