1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
