1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 19 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (129 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 493 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen T5. 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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 T5 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 T5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300S | T5 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 168 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 15.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
