1994 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 402 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Golf |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
