1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Austin A 55 (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Austin A 55 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 55 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1965 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, 1955 Austin A 55 (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 55 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2430 mm |
