1959 BMW 700 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 700 (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 700 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 160 kg more than 1959 BMW 700.
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, 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (84 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (52 Nm). This means 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1192 cc |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2430 mm |
