1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1045 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
