1978 Mazda RX-2 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 976 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda RX-2. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-2.

Compare all specifications:

1978 Mazda RX-2 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Make Mazda Mercedes-Benz
Model RX-2 CLS
Year Released 1978 2012
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2290 cc 4663 cc
Engine Type dual-disk rotary V
Horse Power 118 HP 402 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 157 Nm 600 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 1800 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear AWD
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Vehicle Weight 960 kg 1936 kg
Vehicle Length 4160 mm 4940 mm
Vehicle Width 1590 mm 1882 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1417 mm
Wheelbase Size 2480 mm 2875 mm