1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (161 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 553 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 450 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2480 mm |
