2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 940 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | CL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
