1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 30 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 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 750 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 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (359 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| 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 | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2860 mm |
