2002 Mazda 323 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 323. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1294 kg more than 2002 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 GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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 GL (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 323. (145 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 323. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 323 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 323 | GL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
