1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 110 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
