1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
