1998 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 395 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda RX-7 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-7 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
