2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 856 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1886 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
