2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 531 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | CLS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
