1959 Berkeley B vs. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Berkeley B (49 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 464 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B.
Because 1960 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 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, 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, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Berkeley | Volkswagen |
| Model | B | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 30 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2430 mm |
