1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,324 cc, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (115 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 58 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1959 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 2324 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1327 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
