2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 323 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.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
