1954 Triumph TR2 vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Triumph TR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Triumph TR2 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Triumph TR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Triumph TR2 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Triumph TR2 should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Triumph TR2 weights approximately 19 kg more than 1963 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, 1954 Triumph TR2 (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Triumph TR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Triumph TR2 | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | TR2 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 865 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2250 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 40 L |
