2006 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,986 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 400 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
