1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 57 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 546 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2578 mm |
