2011 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen GTI. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen GTI would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen GTI. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen GTI | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GTI | C |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4211 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |
