2003 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 435 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 815 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 780 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 603 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
