2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 470 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (245 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
