2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 345 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
