1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1979 Volvo 260 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1959 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 260 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2660 mm |
