1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1980 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
