1958 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 584 kg more than 1961 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, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Chevrolet Corvette | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2430 mm |
