1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 29.4 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
