1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1962 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 250 (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 250 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2523 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
