2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 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 2004 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 300 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
