1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 265 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. 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, 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1970 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 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 | 585 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
