2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 467 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1109 kg more than 1963 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 634 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SL | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1955 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
