1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 35 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (63 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 215 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.
Because 1961 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 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
