1993 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1125 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz S | 1990 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4971 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
