1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 152 kg more than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 28.1 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
