1976 Mazda RX-2 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 880 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-2. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda RX-2 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-2 | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2520 mm |
