1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1980 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1104 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen 1302. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 1980 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2410 mm |
