1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 364 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | 300 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1266 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |