1961 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 280 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SE | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
