1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (93 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 86 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
