2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (298 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M weights approximately 680 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz M 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz M (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Mercedes-Benz M | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Golf | M |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4534 mm | 4804 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2915 mm |
