1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 725 kg more than 1988 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 SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 514 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1988 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1988 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
