2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 389 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 427 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 6200 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
