2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (204 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 185 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 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. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| 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 | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
