2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit

To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 351 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 504 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.

Compare all specifications:

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
Make Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen
Model CLS Rabbit
Year Released 2012 1980
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4663 cc 1588 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 402 HP 51 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 4800 RPM
Torque 600 Nm 96 Nm
Torque RPM 1800 RPM 3000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type 7-speed shiftable automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1890 kg 870 kg
Vehicle Length 4940 mm 3950 mm
Vehicle Width 1882 mm 1620 mm
Vehicle Height 1417 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2875 mm 2410 mm


 

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