1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 240 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
