2011 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2010 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Volkswagen GTI. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Volkswagen GTI would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 869 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 549 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen GTI. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | 2010 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | GTI |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 829 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2245 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 4211 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
