2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 43 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 840 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | CLK | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 40 L |
