2012 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 Jetta, 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 (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5096 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3165 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
