1963 Jensen 541 vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1963 Jensen 541 is newer by 1 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 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Jensen 541 weights approximately 635 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, 1963 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Jensen 541 | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Jensen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 541 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
