1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 50 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2651 mm |
