1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 17 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 42 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 545 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.5 L/100km | 4.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.4 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 45 L |
