2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 99 kg more than 2002 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 6 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2940 mm |
