1978 Nissan 260 ZX vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 340 kg more than 1956 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 Nissan 260 ZX (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 260 ZX | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2565 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 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 | 1160 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
