Compare the2022 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2021 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

The MX-5 Miata’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the C-Class Cabriolet.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the C-Class Cabriolet.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the C-Class Cabriolet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the C-Class Cabriolet. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the C-Class Cabriolet ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 42 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MX-5 Miata’s reliability 68 points higher than the C-Class Cabriolet.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda 23rd in initial quality. With 16 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda 14th in reliability. With 1 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in reliability. Mercedes is ranked 20th.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the C-Class Cabriolet:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The C-Class Cabriolet requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The MX-5 Miata offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the C-Class Cabriolet:

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 6 feet tighter than the C 300 Cabriolet’s (30.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1500 to 1550 pounds less than the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

The MX-5 Miata is 2 feet, 6.4 inches shorter than the C-Class Cabriolet, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

Insurance will cost less for the MX-5 Miata owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the MX-5 Miata will cost $7205 to $8225 less than the C-Class Cabriolet over a five-year period.

The MX-5 Miata will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the MX-5 Miata will retain 44.05% to 48.74% of its original price after five years, while the C-Class Cabriolet only retains 42.21% to 42.8%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda MX-5 Miata will be $29216 to $32370 less than for the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The MX-5 Miata was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 16 of the last 31 years. The C-Class Cabriolet has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The MX-5 Miata was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 8 of the last 28 years. The C-Class Cabriolet has never been an “All Star.”