2008 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 180 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
