1969 Dodge Challenger vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1969 Dodge Challenger is newer by 10 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 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Dodge Challenger (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 672 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, 1969 Dodge Challenger (422 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Dodge Challenger | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Challenger | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6286 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2430 mm |
