2002 Mazda MPV vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MPV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MPV would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MPV. (138 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MPV weights approximately 350 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MPV, 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 SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MPV. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MPV. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MPV has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MPV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MPV | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MPV | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
