2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 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 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 395 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mazda 3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | CLS |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2985 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 221 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 510 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.4 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |