2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
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 SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 296 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.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | SLK |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1139 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
