2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (362 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 950 kg more than 1971 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2430 mm |
