1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 52 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
