1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
