1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 399 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (250 Nm). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 55 L |
