1955 Rover P4 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Rover P4 (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Rover P4 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1956 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 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Rover P4 | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P4 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2230 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 42 L |
