1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. (120 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 144 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1961 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 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.1 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
