Mercedes C class 2004 vs Mazda 3 2003
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.8 Petrol | 1.6 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 163 HP | 105 HP | |
| Torque: | 240 NM | 145 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.4 seconds | 11 seconds | |
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Mercedes C class is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes C class engine produces 58 HP more power than Mazda 3, whereas torque is 95 NM more than Mazda 3. Thanks to more power Mercedes C class reaches 100 km/h speed 1.6 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.8 | 7.2 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.5 l/100km | 7.8 l/100km | |
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The Mazda 3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Mercedes C class consumes 1.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mazda 3, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Mercedes C class could require 240 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mercedes C class consumes 1.7 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mazda 3. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 700 km in combined cycle | 760 km in combined cycle | |
| 950 km on highway | 910 km on highway | ||
| 650 km with real consumption | 700 km with real consumption | ||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Mazda 3) 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 C 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: | 440'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 13 years | 16 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes CLK, Mercedes SLK | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Mazda Xedos 6, Mazda MX-3 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
| Mercedes C klase 2004 1.8 engine: The most notable issue with this engine is the sticking of exhaust valves due to carbon buildup. Another significant problem is the unreliable timing chain, which can stretch by 100,000 km. Early symptoms of a ... More about Mercedes C klase 2004 1.8 engine Mazda 3 2003 1.6 engine: This engine is widely regarded as reliable, though it can develop certain issues over time. One of the most common problems is increased oil consumption, often starting after 120,000 km. This is frequently ... More about Mazda 3 2003 1.6 engine | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.53 m | 4.49 m | |
| Width: | 1.73 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.46 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. Mercedes C class is 4 cm longer than the Mazda 3, 3 cm narrower, while the height of Mercedes C class is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | no data | 413 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 675 litres | |
| Turning diameter: | 10.8 meters | 10.3 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mercedes C class is 0.5 metres more than that of the Mazda 3, which means Mercedes C class can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`500 | 1`675 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | below average | average | |
| Mazda 3 has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Mercedes C class, so Mazda 3 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 2600 | 1000 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
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Mazda 3 has
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