1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 58 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 813 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2810 mm |
