1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 18 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 2002 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 62 L |
