2001 Mazda 323 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 323. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 305 kg more than 2001 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 323. (167 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 323 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | C |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
