1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 450 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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 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 | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | 125 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2670 mm |
