1998 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. (269 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 555 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda RX-7. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda RX-7 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | RX-7 | SL |
Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2616 cc | 3498 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
Horse Power | 280 HP | 269 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 315 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1825 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |