1998 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 491 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (235 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 367 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
