1978 BMW M1 vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 454 kg more than 1971 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M1 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2430 mm |
