2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
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 SLK (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
