1959 Fiat 1800 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 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1800 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1800 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1800 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1800 weights approximately 345 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, 1959 Fiat 1800 (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1800 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1800 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2430 mm |
