1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 130 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 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, both vehicles can yield 108 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
