1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1962 Lotus Elite is newer by 1 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 1,215 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elite (83 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 160 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite.
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 Lotus Elite (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elite | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 34 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 40 L |
