2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 640 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 474 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | C |
Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 263 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 620 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4606 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1459 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |