1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1975 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 860 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1975 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
