2011 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 454 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 913 kg more than 2012 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 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 771 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | S | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 621 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 999 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2296 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
