1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 15 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 20 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 681 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2011 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.5 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
