1999 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 267 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
