1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 180 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 Volvo 440, 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 Volvo 440 (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 440 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 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 440 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
