2009 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 418 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 34 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 CL (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
