1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 580 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1486 mm |
