1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 239 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 560 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1619 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2537 mm |
