1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 478 kg more than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (202 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 822 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
