1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk would be higher. At 3,041 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk weights approximately 480 kg more than 1972 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 Studebaker Silver Hawk (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Studebaker | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silver Hawk | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3041 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2430 mm |
