1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (161 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 123 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 190 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2480 mm |
