1950 Citroen 2CV vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1950 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1950 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 342 kg more than 1950 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1950 Citroen 2CV, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Citroen 2CV | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2CV | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 498 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2430 mm |
