2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (701 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 561 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 110 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
