1957 MG MGA vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1957 MG MGA is newer by 1 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 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 MG MGA (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 MG MGA weights approximately 80 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, 1957 MG MGA (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1957 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 MG MGA | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | MG | Volkswagen |
| Model | MGA | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2410 mm |
