1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, both 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 and 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
