1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (80 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1968 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 Fiat 1500 (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (103 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 43 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
