1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 21 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 280 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2578 mm |
