Mazda MX-5 vs Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 14 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class: we're still completing price, kerb weight, seat count, warranty and ground clearance, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$44,590RRP
- no option data for this car
No price
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Mazda MX-5 & Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mazda MX-5
- REC-006355 · published 4 Jun 2025Due to a software programming issue, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module may fail to illuminate the visual warning lights.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-006248 · published 23 Jan 2025Due to a software issue, the parking assist control unit in the vehicle that detects obstructions when reversing may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- 2 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
- REC-003790 · published 6 Jun 2017The left window airbag may not have been manufactured to specifications.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003788 · published 1 Jun 2017The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software does not correspond to specifications.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003712 · published 9 Jun 2016Incorrectly sized nuts may have been fitted to the tie rods on the rear axle.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda MX-5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class. The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class counters with heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) producing 135kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 270Nm, paired to a 7g-tronic plus 7-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 219mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class at 4,134mm (2,430mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 225L in the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class a 95L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.5m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (66 vs 50). The Mazda MX-5 and Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda MX-5 and Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $44,590 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda MX-5 and Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class has the largest boot at 225L with the seats up.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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