1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | 300 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 64 L |
