1957 Fiat 500 vs. 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,491 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 380 kg more than 1957 Fiat 500. 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, 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 500 | 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1967 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 7.3:1 |
| 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 | 470 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
