2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 302 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
