1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1976 Chrysler Centura
To start off, 1976 Chrysler Centura is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler Centura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler Centura (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler Centura should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler Centura weights approximately 275 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, 1976 Chrysler Centura (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler Centura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1976 Chrysler Centura 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. 1976 Chrysler Centura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1976 Chrysler Centura | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chrysler |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | Centura |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
