2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 569 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 860 kg more than 1972 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 SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 672 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5506 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2430 mm |
