1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 (75 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 58 kg more than 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Because 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New 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, both vehicles can yield 126 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 200 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 18.5 seconds | 15.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
