1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (613 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 575 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1130 kg more than 1966 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 910 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | SL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2585 mm |
