1961 NSU Prinz IV vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1961 NSU Prinz IV is newer by 2 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 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 30 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 255 kg more than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
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, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (78 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 NSU Prinz IV | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | NSU | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prinz IV | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 598 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 44 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 565 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2430 mm |
