1978 Citroen LN vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Citroen LN is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Citroen LN. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen LN. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 160 kg more than 1978 Citroen LN. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen LN, 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, 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen LN. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen LN.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen LN | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | LN | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 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 | 710 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2430 mm |
