1973 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 110 kg more than 1959 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, 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider (121 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm). This means 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2430 mm |
