1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 145 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
