1956 Fiat 1100 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 49 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 20 kg more than 1956 Fiat 1100.
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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Fiat 1100 | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1100 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
