1994 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1994 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,606 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz C (277 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 769 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1994 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1994 Mercedes-Benz C (385 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. 1994 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Golf |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3606 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
