1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 250 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
