1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 706 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Beetle | SLK |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
