1957 Berkeley Sports vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia

To start off, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Berkeley Sports. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Berkeley Sports would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1957 Berkeley Sports. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1957 Berkeley Sports. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 538 kg more than 1957 Berkeley Sports. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1966 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 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 Berkeley Sports, 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, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Berkeley Sports. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Berkeley Sports.

Compare all specifications:

1957 Berkeley Sports 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
Make Berkeley Volkswagen
Model Sports Karmann-Ghia
Year Released 1957 1966
Engine Position Front Rear
Engine Size 322 cc 1285 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 15 HP 38 HP
Engine RPM 4800 RPM 3900 RPM
Torque 49 Nm 89 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 60 mm 77 mm
Engine Stroke Size 57 mm 69 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.0:1 7.3:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 282 kg 820 kg
Vehicle Length 3130 mm 4200 mm
Vehicle Width 1280 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1090 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 1780 mm 2430 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 15 L 40 L