2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 740 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
