1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (47 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 310 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1959 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ponton | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
