1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 16 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 37 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 490 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda RX-7. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
