2010 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 410 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1645 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2005 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | SL | 3 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
