1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 335 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S 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 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300S | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
