1962 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 535 kg more than 1965 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, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SE | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 40 L |
