1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 590 kg more than 1964 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 Jaguar XK (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XK | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2430 mm |
