1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Abarth 850 (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 300 kg more than 1960 Abarth 850.
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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 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 | 570 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
