2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 830 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1895 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 88 L |
