1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | 230 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
