1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 33 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 694 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Routan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 78 L |
