1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 and 1979 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | 280 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 185 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |