2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 165 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
