2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 6 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 13.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
