1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 681 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.5 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
