1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 129 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 250 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2525 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
