1958 Porsche 356 vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Porsche 356 weights approximately 15 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, 1958 Porsche 356 (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Porsche 356 | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 356 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 855 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 40 L |
