1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 (130 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 491 kg more than 1959 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, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 (199 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 250 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1361 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2430 mm |
