2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (342 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 495 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (520 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | CLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 342 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
