1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 403 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 650 kg more than 2012 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 SL 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 SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 597 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | SL | Jetta |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7291 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 518 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 766 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4644 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1482 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2651 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |