2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 66 L |
