2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 200 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen
Model SLK Jetta
Year Released 2001 2010
Body Type Convertible Sedan
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 161 HP 170 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 234 Nm 240 Nm
Torque RPM 2500 RPM 4250 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1290 kg 1490 kg
Vehicle Length 4000 mm 4554 mm
Vehicle Width 1720 mm 1781 mm
Vehicle Height 1280 mm 1458 mm
Wheelbase Size 2410 mm 2578 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 55 L