1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 189 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 2005 Volkswagen Golf
Make Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen
Model 300 Golf
Year Released 1990 2005
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2962 cc 1896 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 188 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 260 Nm 351 Nm
Torque RPM 4800 RPM 1750 RPM
Engine Bore Size 88.5 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 80.3 mm 95.5 mm
Top Speed 211 km/hour 203 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1520 kg 1331 kg
Vehicle Length 5030 mm 4210 mm
Vehicle Width 1830 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2940 mm 2590 mm