1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 16 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), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 196 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.
Because 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2430 mm |
