1968 Dodge Dart vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1968 Dodge Dart 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 4,492 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Dart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Dodge Dart (190 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Dart should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Dodge Dart weights approximately 510 kg more than 1959 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 Dodge Dart (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Dart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Dodge Dart | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dart | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4492 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.2 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2430 mm |
