1955 Porsche 356 vs. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
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 Porsche 356 (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Porsche 356 | 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 40 L |
