2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 373 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 713 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6207 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
