1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 1008 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 560 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1748 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
