2000 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 2000 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 650 kg more than 2000 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Mazda 626, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda 626. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 2000 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2000 Mazda 626 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Make Mazda Mercedes-Benz
Model 626 CLS
Year Released 2000 2012
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1840 cc 4663 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 100 HP 402 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 150 Nm 600 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 1800 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual 7-speed shiftable automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1240 kg 1890 kg
Vehicle Length 4680 mm 4940 mm
Vehicle Width 1720 mm 1882 mm
Vehicle Height 1520 mm 1417 mm
Wheelbase Size 2680 mm 2875 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 80 L