1970 Volkswagen 1600 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (52 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 170 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
