1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 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 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 37 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 70 L |
