2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | E |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
