1978 Toyota Century vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1978 Toyota Century 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 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Century (167 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Century weights approximately 985 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.
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 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1978 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Century | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 1190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2430 mm |
