2005 Mazda 3 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 182 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (225 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 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. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
