1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 518 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, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69 mm |
| 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 | 1338 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 40 L |
