1997 Mazda 323 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 323. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 595 kg more than 1997 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323, 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 323. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 323. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 323 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
