2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240.
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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (138 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 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. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 2404 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 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 |
