1968 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,768 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle (140 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 681 kg more than 1961 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, 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle (298 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Chevelle | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3768 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
