1958 Lotus Elite vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 260 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
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 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Lotus Elite | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
Model | Elite | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 1958 | 1973 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 71 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 105 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 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 | 580 kg | 840 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |