1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (151 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 942 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
