2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 132 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | C |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1373 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |
