1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1090 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo, 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 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.5 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
