1980 Mercedes-Benz G vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz G (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 600 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz G 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz G | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | G | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2297 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
