1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 250 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2525 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
