1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 869 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 560 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1619 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
