1977 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 410 more horse power than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1103 kg more than 1977 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 SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 585 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda RX-3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | SL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
