1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1155 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 451 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 356 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 45 L |
