1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1200 (53 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1200 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1200 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1973 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, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 925 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2430 mm |
