2003 Holden Zafira vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Zafira. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Zafira would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2003 Holden Zafira. (146 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 405 kg more than 2003 Holden Zafira. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Holden Zafira, 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 E (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Zafira. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Zafira. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2003 Holden Zafira has manual transmission. 2003 Holden Zafira will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Zafira | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Holden | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Zafira | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2860 mm |
