2007 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 676 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | E | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2480 mm |
