1998 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz V. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz V would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V (139 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 895 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V (211 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Golf | 1996 Mercedes-Benz V | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | V |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3010 mm |
