2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 635 kg more than 2007 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 CLS 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 CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 104 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
