2005 Mazda 3 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
