2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR would be higher. At 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 415 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 157 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 770 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
