2003 Mazda Roadster 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 Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 455 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1838 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
