1955 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 112 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1969 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 852 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 |
