1971 BMW 3 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 10 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 560 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
