1959 Fiat 600 vs. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 70 kg more than 1959 Fiat 600. 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, 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 600. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 600 | 1965 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
