2004 Mazda MPV vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mazda MPV is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 354 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MPV. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 375 kg more than 2004 Mazda MPV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MPV, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 470 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MPV. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MPV. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MPV has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MPV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MPV | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | MPV | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.8 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.1 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
