2012 Dacia Duster vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Dacia Duster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 2012 Dacia Duster. (104 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2012 Dacia Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 535 kg more than 2012 Dacia Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dacia Duster, 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 E (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dacia Duster. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dacia Duster. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2012 Dacia Duster has manual transmission. 2012 Dacia Duster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Dacia Duster | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Dacia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Duster | E |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 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 | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1735 kg |
