1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 759 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 350 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.8 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2470 mm |
