2010 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 391 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2010 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (131 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda RX-8 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | A |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1341 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 54 L |
