1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1974 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 514 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Make Volkswagen Mercedes-Benz
Model Karmann-Ghia CLS
Year Released 1974 2012
Body Type Convertible Sedan
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 1285 cc 4663 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 43 HP 402 HP
Engine RPM 4100 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 86 Nm 600 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 1800 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual 7-speed shiftable automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 840 kg 1890 kg
Vehicle Length 4200 mm 4940 mm
Vehicle Width 1640 mm 1882 mm
Vehicle Height 1340 mm 1417 mm
Wheelbase Size 2430 mm 2875 mm


 

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