1956 Maserati 450 vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 4,478 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Maserati 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 60 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
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, 1956 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (103 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Maserati 450 | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | 450 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 850 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2430 mm |
