1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1958 Rover P5
To start off, 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Rover P5 (106 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P5 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1962 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, 1958 Rover P5 (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1958 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1958 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1958 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Rover |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | P5 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 63 L |
