1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 128 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, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1953 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 100 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
