1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 144 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 220 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 28.1 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
