2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz R would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz R. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | R |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
