1981 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1981 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1981 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda RX-7 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
