1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 52 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 563 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.
Because 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (78 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2639 mm |
