1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (47 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 270 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1956 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 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ponton | Passat |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
