2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 368 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | RX-8 | SL |
Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2797 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4510 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 |