1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 724 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 1972 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
