2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. Both 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 195 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
