1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1969 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP) has 132 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1969 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
