1992 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1992 Mazda RX-7. (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 590 kg more than 1992 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda RX-7. (270 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda RX-7. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1992 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1992 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda RX-7 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | SL |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 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 | 1300 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
