1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,460 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 223 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Touareg (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | 2006 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1687 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.1 seconds | 12.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
