2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 500 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | 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 | 105 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |
