2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2007 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 11 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 | 1425 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
