2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 535 kg more than 2009 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
