2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | RX-8 | SLK |
Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1270 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |