1974 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 893 kg more than 1958 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, 1974 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Impala | 1958 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2430 mm |
