1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 970 kg more than 1974 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 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 | 1810 kg | 840 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 |
