1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1968 Abarth 1300 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Abarth 1300 (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 200 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300.
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, both vehicles can yield 108 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1300 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2430 mm |
