1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Passat 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 72 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 710 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. 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 S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 45 L |
