1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (529 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1300 kg more than 1955 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 692 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | S |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 529 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3165 mm |
