1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 147
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 45 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 506 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.
Because 1956 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 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 has automatic transmission and 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 147 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 60 L |
