1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 20 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 420 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
