1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 695 kg more than 1998 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
