1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1964 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 380 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 40 L |
