1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 (95 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 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 | 95 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
