1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 (295 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 560 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2480 mm |
