1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton (47 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 390 kg more than 1980 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 Ponton 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 Ponton. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Ponton (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | Ponton | Beetle |
Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 47 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |