2001 Mazda 323 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 11 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 412 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 323. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 960 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 CL. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 632 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 323. (167 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 323. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Mazda 323 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 323 | CL |
Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 124 HP | 536 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 799 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 2180 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5105 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1427 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2954 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |