1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 576 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
