1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. Both 1955 Volkswagen Beetle and 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia are equipped with a 1,192 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 80 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
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 Volkswagen Beetle (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
