1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1145 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-7 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
