2006 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 779 kg more than 2004 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 E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 E (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | E | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
