1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 345 kg more than 2005 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 E 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 E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 E (480 Nm) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.5 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
