1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 82 kg more than 2006 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 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, 2006 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 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
