2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 785 kg more than 1955 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | C | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
