1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia vs. 1960 MG MGA
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 MG MGA (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 MG MGA weights approximately 30 kg more than 1973 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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | 1960 MG MGA | |
| Make | Volkswagen | MG |
| Model | Karmann-Ghia | MGA |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2390 mm |
