2003 Mazda 2 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 2 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 2. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 640 kg more than 2003 Mazda 2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 2, 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 SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 2. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 2 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 2 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
