1988 BMW 525 vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 614 kg more than 1971 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
