2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1546 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 A (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | A |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
