1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 475 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 400 kg more than 1960 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 544 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | SL |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1283 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2570 mm |
