1998 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 179 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
