1971 Honda Life vs. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Honda Life is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Honda Life (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 332 kg more than 1971 Honda Life.
Because 1958 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 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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, 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2430 mm |
