1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
