1959 Austin A 90 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin A 90 (102 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin A 90 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 90 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1974 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, 1959 Austin A 90 (214 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Austin A 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 90 | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 90 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2430 mm |
