2012 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 897 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 559 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 536 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 799 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
