1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 287 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2512 mm |
