2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1430 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 2830 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
