2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 6 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 70 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (299 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2011 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| 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 | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
