1959 MG MGA vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 MG MGA (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 MG MGA weights approximately 60 kg more than 1962 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 MG MGA (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 MG MGA | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | MG | Volkswagen |
| Model | MGA | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2430 mm |
