2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 223 kg more than 2004 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | RX-8 | 280 |
Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 238 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1615 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 95 L |