1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 379 kg more than 1962 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Esprit | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
