1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 29 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 1,960 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (39 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 341 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 42 L |
