1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Fiat 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 330 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. 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, 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 40 L |
