1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 356 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2308 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5340 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3400 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
