1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 330 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1983 Vauxhall Carlton (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1983 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Vauxhall |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
