2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 699 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | A |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
