1980 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 700 kg more than 1980 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, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mazda RX-7 | 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
