1980 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 794 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1980 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mazda RX-7 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
