1955 Alpine A 106 vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1955 Alpine A 106. (20 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1955 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 340 kg more than 1955 Alpine A 106. 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, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Alpine A 106 | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2430 mm |
