2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 4,264 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 790 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 4264 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
