Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse and predecessors (1946 – 1955) vs Volkswagen Beetle (1945 – 2003): specs compared
Both offer around 52 hp at most. The Volkswagen Beetle is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 27.2 s against 32.0 s. It has the higher top speed: 130 km/h against 121 km/h. It is the lighter car, from 737 kg against 1,160 kg. At 4,455 mm, the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse and predecessors is 376 mm longer than the Volkswagen Beetle.
| Specification |
Mercedes-Benz
E-Klasse and predecessors
1946 – 1955
|
Volkswagen
Beetle
1945 – 2003
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Documented years | 1946 – 1955 | 1945 – 2003 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 11 | 8 |
| Fuel | Diesel, Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Gearbox | Manual | Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 38 – 52 hp | 25 – 54 hp |
| Torque | 98 – 112 Nm | 66 – 106 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 32.0 – 56.0 s | 27.2 s |
| Top speed | 100 – 121 km/h | 100 – 130 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 6.1 – 9.7 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,285 – 4,455 mm | 4,026 – 4,079 mm |
| Width | 1,580 – 1,684 mm | 1,524 – 1,585 mm |
| Height | 1,590 – 1,610 mm | 1,501 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,400 – 2,421 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,160 – 1,280 kg | 737 – 892 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.