2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (517 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 412 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 305 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.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 517 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
