1976 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1145 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-3. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda RX-3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | CL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
