1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2010 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 2010 Volkswagen T5, 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 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen T5. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen T5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2010 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3410 mm |
