2003 Mazda 6 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 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (494 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 520 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6. 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 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 492 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (208 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 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 6 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3090 mm |
