2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 955 kg more than 2008 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 S 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 S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 618 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
