1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 593 kg more than 1996 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 88 L |
