1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (39 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton 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 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (121 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ponton | Passat |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |
