1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 1975 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1975 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1975 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 1975 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 450 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |
