2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1710 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
