2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (474 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 426 kg more than 2008 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (631 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 474 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 14.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
