2003 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 560 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1315 kg more than 1969 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 913 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 603 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 1000 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 40 L |
