2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | RX-8 | 280 |
Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1307 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 211 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2940 mm |