2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 570 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (299 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | C |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 66 L |
