1959 BMW 700 vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 3 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 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 210 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 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 | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 840 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
