2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 360 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
