1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1966 Lotus Elan is newer by 4 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 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 144 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
