VS

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Mercedes C-Class Saloon comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 680 HP), boot space and price (25,000 £ vs 41,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Hatchback or Mercedes C-Class Saloon?

Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Mercedes C-Class Saloon: Key differences

Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • slightly lighter
details

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • clearly more power
  • markedly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Hatchback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is significantly cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the Mercedes C-Class Saloon costs 41,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,305 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon uses 4.5 L/100km and is markedly more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

C-Class Saloon

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers clearly more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 494 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.4 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 4.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon delivers considerably more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 780 Nm more.

3 Hatchback

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Hatchback is slightly lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 1,695 kg. The difference is around 278 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers visibly more boot space – 455 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 104 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon carries slightly more – 570 kg compared to 502 kg. That’s a difference of about 68 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes C-Class Saloon is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £41,300
C-Class Saloon

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 183 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.5 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range 11 km
Mazda 3 Hatchback
Mercedes C-Class Saloon

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

details

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

The Mercedes C‑Class is the compact executive that dresses like it owns the boulevard, with an interior that blends modern elegance and plush comfort to make everyday driving feel unexpectedly special. On the road it pairs poise with a hint of cheeky agility, rewarding drivers who want refinement without forfeiting a touch of fun — and yes, it still looks great in the driveway.

details
Mazda 3 Hatchback
Mercedes C-Class Saloon

Costs and Consumption

Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Price
41,300 - 103,400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
11 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 146 g/km
co2
119 - 205 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Curb weight
1,695 - 2,165 kg
Trunk capacity
351 L
Trunk capacity
280 - 455 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,820 - 1,900 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
487 - 502 kg
Payload
485 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
250 - 1,020 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, G
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.