1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (371 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 80 L |
