2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 160 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
