2005 Mazda 6 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Mazda 6 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 6 (220 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 420 kg more than 2005 Mazda 6.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 6, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 6. (260 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 6 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 6 | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
