1997 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 480 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 531 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
