1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1974 Volvo 245 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 245 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 245 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 574 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volvo 245 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 245 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 245 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 60 L |
