2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 420 kg more than 1966 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 SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | SLK | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| 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 | 355 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| 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 | 1240 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
