1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 520 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen 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, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 (186 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 has manual transmission. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.3 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
