1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 600 (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 225 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600.
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, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| 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 | 595 kg | 820 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
