1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 728 kg more than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
