2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (231 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 298 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 268 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
