1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 26 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 2,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 650 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.
Because 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 164 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
