1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR would be higher. At 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 434 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 135 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 530 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK GTR | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6898 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 770 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2578 mm |
