2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 696 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will offer significantly more control. 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1936 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
