1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 343 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 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 350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 350 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
