1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4972 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 237 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 402 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |