2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 415 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | CLK | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
