2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 228 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 655 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1720 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
