1972 Mazda RX-2 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1255 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-2.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda RX-2 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-2 | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2870 mm |
