1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 61 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 8 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 1 kg more than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
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, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300S | Golf |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
