2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
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 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
