2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | SLK | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| 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 | 355 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 511 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
