1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,283 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 395 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. 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, 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 43 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 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 | 445 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
