1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is newer by 7 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 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 572 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 has automatic transmission and 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
