2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 435 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1966 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
