1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 98 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 670 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2560 mm |
