1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. (75 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 35 kg more than 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (205 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. (126 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
