2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 1282 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 CLC 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 CLC. 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 CLC (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC 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 CLC | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | CLC |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
