2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. Both 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1997 Mercedes-Benz E are equipped with a 1,997 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 405 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
