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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 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 779 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 (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 581 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 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 | 5513 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 4.8 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 | 1356 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 88 L |
