2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 137 kg more than 2006 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
