1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1960 Abarth 600 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 285 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. 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, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 69 mm |
| 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 | 585 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
