1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 980 kg more than 1959 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (78 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
Model | S | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1192 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 275 HP | 30 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 422 Nm | 78 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |