1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1966 Fiat 500 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (30 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 280 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. 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, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| 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 | 540 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2430 mm |
