1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1958 Volvo 120
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Volvo 120 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Volvo 120 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1972 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, 1958 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1958 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1958 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 120 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2610 mm |
