1972 BMW 520 vs. 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1964 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1964 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
