2012 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4606 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1459 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2512 mm |
