1957 BMW 600 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1957 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 320 kg more than 1957 BMW 600. 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, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 600 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2430 mm |
