2001 Mazda 323 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 8 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 323. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 5 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 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 323. (167 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 323. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 323 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
