1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Lotus Seven is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,340 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Seven is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Seven (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 226 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven.
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 Lotus Seven (92 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm). This means 1971 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Seven | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
