1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 485 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 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
