Mazda 323 2001 vs Mercedes E class 2002
| Body: | Hatchback | Sedan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The hatchback generally has more luggage space thanks to a larger trunk door opening and the ability to convert the rear of the passenger compartment into luggage space. Sedans tend to be quieter than hatchbacks, due to a more isolated rear area. | |||
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
| Engine: | 1.6 Petrol | 1.8 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing chain | |
| Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 100 HP | 163 HP | |
| Torque: | 145 NM | 240 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11.6 seconds | 9.6 seconds | |
|
Mercedes E class is a more dynamic driving. Mazda 323 engine produces 63 HP less power than Mercedes E class, whereas torque is 95 NM less than Mercedes E class. Due to the lower power, Mazda 323 reaches 100 km/h speed 2 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.5 | 8.4 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.0 l/100km | 9.0 l/100km | |
|
The Mazda 323 is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification Mazda 323 consumes 0.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes E class, which means that by driving the Mazda 323 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 135 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mazda 323 consumes 1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes E class. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres | 65 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 730 km in combined cycle | 770 km in combined cycle | |
| 870 km on highway | 1060 km on highway | ||
| 680 km with real consumption | 720 km with real consumption | ||
| Mercedes E class gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Mazda 323) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (Mercedes E class) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 440'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 5 years | 13 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes C klase, Mercedes CLK, Mercedes SLK | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes E class might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | no | yes | |
| The Mercedes E class engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.25 m | 4.82 m | |
| Width: | 1.70 m | 1.82 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.45 m | |
|
Mazda 323 is smaller. Mazda 323 is 57 cm shorter than the Mercedes E class, 12 cm narrower, while the height of Mazda 323 is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 355 litres | 540 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
1000 litres | 540 litres | |
| Mazda 323 has 185 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes E class. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Mazda 323 (by 460 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.6 meters | 11.4 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mazda 323 is 0.8 metres less than that of the Mercedes E class, which means Mazda 323 can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`585 | 2`105 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | above average | average | |
| Mazda 323 has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Mercedes E class, so Mazda 323 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 600 | 3000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Mazda 323 has
|
Mercedes E klase has
| |