2009 Volvo C30 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volvo C30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volvo C30 would be higher. At 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo C30 weights approximately 272 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 2009 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo C30 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C30 | A |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2520 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1598 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
