1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 445 kg more than 1972 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 69 mm |
| 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 | 1315 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2430 mm |
