1957 Opel Record vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Opel Record. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Opel Record would be higher. At 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Opel Record is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Opel Record (44 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Opel Record should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Opel Record weights approximately 55 kg more than 1962 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 Opel Record (98 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Opel Record will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Opel Record | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Record | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
