2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2009 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 14.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
