2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,986 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 408 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 E 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 E. 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 E (540 Nm) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (203 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1282 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
