2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 231 kg more than 2008 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |
