1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1998 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 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1998 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
