2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (149 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 980 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 42 L |
