1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 (83 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 563 kg more than 1960 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 220 (157 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2430 mm |
