1962 Rover P5 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Rover P5 (119 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Rover P5 weights approximately 880 kg more than 1973 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 Rover P5 (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Rover P5 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P5 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2430 mm |
