2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (138 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 245 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 C. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 6 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 89 L |
