2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
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 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 55 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
