2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 705 kg more than 1955 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2430 mm |
