1959 BMW 503 vs. 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1967 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 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1967 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 503 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
