1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1962 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | S | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
