1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3005 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
