2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1034 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 GL 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | GL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 2454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
