1962 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 565 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SE | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
