1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 29 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (200 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 690 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2008 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2860 mm |
