2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 695 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | S |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 88 L |
