2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 800 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 SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLK | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
