2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 345 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Jetta | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
