1998 Mazda 323 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 630 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
