1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 335 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
Model | Karmann-Ghia | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1955 | 2000 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1597 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 77.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1205 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |