1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 would be higher. At 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 (45 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 (104 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 180 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 40 L |
