Verdict
At RM294,154, the Mazda MX-5 costs RM705,734 less than the RM999,888 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL, yet both are rear-wheel-drive petrol convertibles. The Mazda is the simpler, lighter choice at 1,119 kg, with a six-speed manual, 181 hp and a power-folding retractable hard-top. The Mercedes is a far larger four-seat grand tourer: 375 hp, 480 Nm, 4.9-second 0-100 km/h, 240-litre boot and serious long-distance assistance kit. For most Malaysian buyers, the MX-5 is the rational fun car; the AMG SL earns its huge premium through pace, space and technology, not economy.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a 1,119-kg, six-speed manual two-seater with a retractable hard-top for RM705,734 less.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL if you need four seats, 375 hp and 480 Nm, plus a 240-litre boot and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; Mercedes-Benz AMG SL RM999,888.
- Power and torque: Mazda MX-5 181 hp and 205 Nm; Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 375 hp and 480 Nm.
- Weight: Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg; Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 1,810 kg.
- Seating and boot: Mazda MX-5 two seats and 130 litres; Mercedes-Benz AMG SL four seats and 240 litres.
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda MX-5 3,915 mm and 2,310 mm; Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 4,705 mm and 2,700 mm.
- Transmission: Mazda MX-5 six-speed manual; Mercedes-Benz AMG SL nine-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
MX-5
- RM705,734 cheaper
- 691 kg lighter
- Six-speed manual and power-folding retractable hard-top
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot
- 181 hp and 205 Nm trail the AMG SL's 375 hp and 480 Nm
- Warning-only lane keeping, rather than steering correction
AMG SL
- 375 hp, 480 Nm and 4.9-second 0-100 km/h
- Four seats with a 240-litre boot and 50:50 split-folding rear seats
- Adaptive cruise control with steering assist, 360-degree camera and auto parking
- RM705,734 more expensive
- 691 kg heavier
- Four-year warranty versus the MX-5's five-year, 100,000-km cover
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM999,888 |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | Grand Tourer |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM376✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing with Mild Hybrid Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,991 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm | 375 hp at 6,750 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 480 Nm at 3,250 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 13 hp |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | AMG Speedshift MCT 9G |
| Gears | 6 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Daimler |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 275 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 4,705 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,915 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,359 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | 1,810 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 70 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 240 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 275/35R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 305/30R21 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-Link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 21" AMG 10-Twin-Spoke Forged Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 21" AMG 10-Twin-Spoke Forged Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Suspension |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side) | 5 (Driver and Front Passenger, Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available on Front Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Both Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Digital Light LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | — | 50:50 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 17-Speaker Burmester Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Driver Side Auto Up & Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation with Pop-out Door Handles |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 4 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used MX-5 & AMG SL for sale
MX-5 vs AMG SL FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or Mercedes-Benz AMG SL better?
The Mazda MX-5 is the better choice for affordable manual convertible driving at RM294,154. The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL is better if you require 375 hp, four seats, a larger boot and substantially more driver-assistance equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL costs RM999,888, which is RM705,734 more than the Mazda MX-5 at RM294,154.
Which is more practical for trips?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SL is more practical: it has four seats, a 240-litre boot, 70-litre fuel tank and 50:50 split-folding rear seats. The Mazda MX-5 has two seats, a 130-litre boot and 45-litre tank.
