1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 925 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (57 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 59 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 135 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 | 1615 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2340 mm |
