1970 Honda N III vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1970 Honda N III is newer by 11 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, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1970 Honda N III. (36 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda N III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 330 kg more than 1970 Honda N III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Honda N III, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda N III. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda N III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda N III | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | N III | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 354 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
