1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 789 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2308 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5340 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3400 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
