1963 AC Cobra vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 AC Cobra weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | AC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobra | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2430 mm |
