1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 930 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S 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 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | 300S | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |